Greater Taree Coastal Zone Management Plan

Transcription

1 Greater Taree Coastal Zone Management Plan June 2015 Adopted by Council at the 17 June 2015 Ordinary Meeting Photograph of dune restoration at Old Bar undertaken in 2014

2 Contents 1. Executive summary Our coastline and its management The objectives Our coastline Our beaches Beach condition and public access Black Head Beach/Nine Mile Beach/Red Head headland Diamond Beach Saltwater Beach Old Bar Beach/Farquhar Inlet Manning Point Beach Harrington Beach/Harrington Inlet Crowdy Bay Crowdy Bay Harbour Coastline impacts and risks Risks associated with our changing coastline Climate change impacts Socio-economic impacts Informed Adaption management framework Framework overview Management measures Ongoing responsibility Existing development Future development Implementation and review Implementation schedule Review period Related documents Appendix 1 Compliance of this CZMP with the NSW Coastal Protection Act 1979 and the Guidelines for Preparing Coastal Zone Management Plans July Appendix 2 Development consent process for management measures Appendix 3 The history Appendix 4 Coastal risk identification Appendix 5 Community involvement and consultation Appendix 6 Cultural and heritage significance GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 2 of 57

3 1. Executive summary The Greater Taree Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) supports Informed Adaption in response to the risk posed by our changing coastline. Informed Adaption facilitates a range of flexible responses to the changing coastline and is based on the following objectives: people want to be empowered to undertake actions themselves; people want a variety of tools that they could use to suit their own circumstances community groups want the ability to seek solutions; and people want the ability to use their land for as long as practicable. Informed Adaption may be proactive or reactive and it enables landowners, community groups and public authorities to implement a range of management measures to adapt to the risk from coastal processes on land they own and to preserve the beach and dune amenity they value. While empowering landowners to make decisions and act, Informed Adaption also places responsibility for success or failure on those who choose to implement the management measures. This means: if a landowner undertakes a management measure it is their responsibility for the success or failure of this action. For example if a landowner chooses to undertake beach nourishment with the aim of protecting their land from coastal erosion, they need to accept responsibility in relation to the possibility that the sand may be washed away during the next storm; if a landowner builds in an area likely to be affected by coastal erosion they must accept that in the future the structure they build may need to be demolished should it be deemed at risk; and future owners know from obtaining a section 149 Certificate for the property that the land is in an area potentially affected by coastal erosion and they need to accept this risk when they purchase the land. Preparation of our CZMP has been a lengthy process that has raised many conflicting views from our community about how the coastal zone should be managed. This CZMP anticipates a dynamic and retreating shoreline, but allows for flexibility in the management of the coastal zone. In the face of changing State Policy, this CZMP does not prescribe the traditional view of protect or retreat, but rather advocates use of the coastal zone in the most appropriate way by detailing specific actions that will be undertaken in relation to each beach compartment. Throughout it also highlights key elements that underpin the direction of the plan and that involve public and landowner participation in the management of our coastline. The management measures and the types of development permitted within the coastal zone under this plan are summarised in the following tables. GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 3 of 57

4 Table 1: Management measures to protect property and maintain beach amenity, and who can undertake them Types of Management Measures to protect property and maintain beach amenity Private landowners on private land What can I do? Community groups on public land Public authorities on public land Examples include: Non-permanent planting of native vegetation placement of geo-textile fabric material along the eroding face of the dune placement of permeable materials, such as branches, along the scarp of the dune placement of sand (known as beach nourishment) No consent required Letter of Authority from Crown Lands required No consent required Examples include: Semi-permanent Consent required Not applicable Approvals required use of sand filled geotextile bags to construct a seawall use of sand filled geotextile bags to construct a groyne Examples include: Permanent Consent required Not applicable Approvals required augmentation of existing rock seawalls construction of rock seawalls artificial reefs Notes: 1. For the purposes of this plan a seawall is defined as a wall or embankment erected to prevent the sea encroaching on or eroding an area of land. 2. Landowners should seek advice from Council before considering any semi-permanent or permanent management measures to clarify what approvals are required. Key Element This plan provides in-principle support for community groups to advocate and seek funds for the construction and maintenance of semi-permanent and permanent management measures by public authorities. GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 4 of 57

5 Table 2: Types of development and who can undertake them Development Area What can be built? (Subject to obtaining the appropriate approvals) Private Landowners Community Groups Public Authorities Seaward of the foreshore building line/immediate hazard line Any management measures from Table 1 and exempt development - examples include: Seating Clothes lines BBQ Shade sails Any low impact management measures from Table 1 and typical park embellishments - examples include: Seating Picnic Shelters BBQ Shade sails Any management measures from Table 1 and development permitted under any act - examples include: Seating Reinforcement of existing revetments Maintenance of existing rock and training wall structures Use of sand filled geotextile bags Construction of new rock seawalls Within the Coastal Hazard Risk Zone Any development permitted under the provisions of an Environmental Planning Instrument (SEPP, LEP, DCP) including the following types of development: Dwelling Houses Dwelling Additions Studios Dual Occupancies Multi Dwelling housing Outbuildings (Sheds / Garages / Pergolas) Swimming pools Ancillary Structures Any development permitted under the provisions of an Environmental Planning Instrument (SEPP, LEP, DCP). Note: A risk management plan is required to accompany all development proposals in this area Note: A risk management plan is required to accompany all development proposals in this area Subdivision (Torrens, Community, Strata) is not permitted within the Coastal Hazard Risk Zone or seaward of the foreshore building line, unless it is to facilitate the conversion of private land to public land or does not result in additional lots. West of the Coastal Hazard Risk Zone Any development permitted under the provisions of an Environmental Planning Instrument (SEPP, LEP, DCP). GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 5 of 57

6 2. Our coastline and its management This CZMP is a document that enables landowners, community groups and public authorities to undertake management actions to address the risks posed by coastal erosion. The area covered by this plan is the Greater Taree coastline as depicted in Figure 1 below. Figure 1: CZMP study area GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 6 of 57

7 Anyone wishing to undertake management actions within this area is encouraged to read the following suite of technical documents that supports this CZMP: Coastal Hazard Definition Study (2010) Coastline Management Study (2010) Greater Taree Coast Emergency Action Plan (2011) Coastal Zone Management Plan (2013) Old Bar Coastal Protection Design Investigation (2013) Hazard Definition Study Amendment Old Bar (2014) Coastal Zone Management Plan Amendment Old Bar (2014) Coastal Zone Management Plan - GTCC Introduction (2014) 2.1 The objectives It is clear from the work undertaken to date, that in the Greater Taree coastal zone: people want to be empowered to undertake actions themselves; people want a variety of tools that they can use to suit their own circumstances community groups want the ability to seek solutions; and people want the ability to use their land for as long as practicable. These are the objectives upon which this plan has been written. 2.2 Our coastline Our beaches Generally, beaches along the NSW coastline erode during major storms and then have sand naturally replenished over intervening periods, with erosion occurring again due to storms often decades later. While some of our beaches reflect this trend of losing sand and then having it replenished naturally over time, there have been two major exceptions. Both Old Bar Beach and Manning Point Beach have a history of continual sand loss due to erosion. This yearly net loss results in the foreshore retreating in a westerly direction. At Old Bar Beach this process has a greater impact given the proximity of urban development to the beach. A description of each of our beaches and an associated action plan for future works is discussed below. Figure 2 provides an overview of the maps associated with each beach Beach condition and public access Most public access points require ongoing maintenance and often significant restorative work is also required after storm events. After such events some public access points remain closed until relevant approvals are obtained and funds are available to undertake repairs. Beach access points and coastal walking trails are shown on the maps below. Key Element Council will work with Crown Lands to reduce the number of beach accesses along our coastline as they can create the potential for beach erosion and have an impact on flora and fauna. At the same time both parties will work towards improving accesses that are intended to remain. Community education will be an important component of this work. GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 7 of 57

8 Figure 2: Map sheet overview GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 8 of 57

9 2.2.3 Black Head Beach/Nine Mile Beach/Red Head headland Black Head Beach is a relatively stable, closed system with minor long term accretion. Isolated locations of minor historical recession (0.1 to 0.2 m/year) have occurred in the central to northern portion of the beach, possibly due to persistent rips in these locations and/or anthropogenic changes associated with pedestrian access. The long term minor accretion is likely to be due to leaky bypassing around Black Head supplying sediment from the south (Nine Mile Beach), consistent with the net northerly littoral transport potential along the NSW coast. This bypassing is most likely to occur during large southerly storm events. Black Head Beach is patrolled during the summer months. Permits are required for vehicle access to the beach with the exception of boat launching from the beach ramp. A pedestrian bridge links Black Head Reserve/Black Head Lagoon Flora Reserve to the beach, crossing Black Head Lagoon. Red Head Beach, which is located at the northern end of Black Head Bay, is unpatrolled. There is a rainforest nature walk (with a loop walking track) at Red Head (off the end of Red Head Road) and a viewing platform with stairs to the beach. There are also informal beach access points (sand tracks) from the Beachfront Holiday Resort and houses along Scenic Avenue. A dune blow out was identified approximately two-thirds of the way up the beach from Black Head (Black Head to Crowdy Head Coastline Hazard Definition Study, WorleyParsons 2010). This area was closed permanently in 2014 and subsequently rehabilitated. Action Plan for Black Head Beach Require all development proposals within the Coastal Hazard Risk Zone to be accompanied by a Risk Management Plan. Council will work with Crown Lands to reduce the number of beach accesses and at the same time both parties will work towards improving the accesses that are intended to remain. Community education will be an important component of this work. Enhance coastal walking trails. Review and replace beach signage to avoid conflicting messages. GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 9 of 57

10 Figure 3: Black Head Beach GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 10 of 57

11 Figure 4: Northern end of Nine Mile Beach GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 11 of 57

12 Figure 5: Red Head headland GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 12 of 57

13 2.2.4 Diamond Beach Diamond Beach is generally stable with minor, long term recession occurring in the south and north. The beach has been relatively stable in the centre in recent times, however, the presence of exposed indurated sands, soft rock or coffee rock is evidence of recession in the past. There is little net longshore drift along this part of the NSW coastline therefore the amount of sediment moving into and out of the embayment is small. The large reef system off Red Head appears to be acting as a submerged barrier. Subsequently, there is likely to be negligible sand supply from the south. Similarly, the reef system at Saltwater Point (between Diamond Beach and Saltwater Beach to the north) acts as a submerged barrier at the northern end of the beach minimising the likely bypassing of sediment around this headland. Bypassing may occur under certain conditions such as a major flood event where Khappinghat Creek breaks through, moving sufficient entrance bar material seaward; or a large southerly storm event, followed by predominantly southerly waves. This would represent a net loss of sediment from the embayment. Historical photographs indicate sand mining occurred on the beach and it is uncertain if this may impact the future stability of this beach. Diamond Beach south is patrolled during the summer school holidays. A small car park, lookout and beach access is situated at the eastern end of Diamond Drive. There is also a beach access within the Diamond Beach Holiday Park at the northern end of Golden Drive and several informal tracks through the dune from beachfront properties to the south. Access to an area of coastal rainforest is via a walking track off Golden Drive and from the beach via a sand track which includes a section of boardwalk. Most resorts at north Diamond Beach have constructed beach access ways. There are also a number of informal tracks through the dune in this area that have resulted in erosion and the loss of dune vegetation (Black Head to Crowdy Head Coastline Hazard Definition Study, WorleyParsons 2010). Action Plan for Diamond Beach Require all development proposals within the Coastal Hazard Risk Zone to be accompanied by a Risk Management Plan. Council will work with Crown Lands to reduce the number of beach accesses and at the same time both parties will work towards improving the accesses that are intended to remain. Community education will be an important component of this work. Enhance coastal walking trails. Review and replace beach signage to avoid conflicting messages. GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 13 of 57

14 Figure 6: Diamond Beach GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 14 of 57

15 2.2.5 Saltwater Beach Saltwater Beach is a relatively closed system. It has experienced historical recession of 0.2 m/year in the central portion and is generally stable at the ends. Minor long term sediment loss is likely to be due to leaky bypassing of Wallabi Point to the north, or offshore losses during less frequent storm events. Saltwater Beach, within Saltwater National Park (at the southern end of the beach) features a headland walking track. There is a car park within the National Park, at the southern end of the beach, three formal timber access ways/lookouts and boat launching facilities (concrete ramps) on Khappinghat Creek and at the beach. Midway along the beach there are both formal and informal access ways and informal car parking areas (Black Head to Crowdy Head Coastline Hazard Definition Study, WorleyParsons 2010). On the southern side of Wallabi Point there is a small car park, lookout and stairs, which provide pedestrian access. On the northern side of the point there is vehicle/pedestrian access to the beach. Action Plan for Saltwater Beach Require all development proposals within the Coastal Hazard Risk Zone to be accompanied by a Risk Management Plan. Council will work with Crown Lands to reduce the number of beach accesses and at the same time both parties will work towards improving accesses that are intended to remain. Community education will be an important component of this work. Review and replace beach signage to avoid conflicting messages. GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 15 of 57

16 Figure 7: Saltwater Beach GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 16 of 57

17 2.2.6 Old Bar Beach/Farquhar Inlet Old Bar Beach Historically, this beach has seen an average net loss of half a metre of dune per year which has increased to one metre per year since the early 2000s. While a number of theories have been proposed for this acceleration, we are no closer to understanding the processes involved. There is uncertainty as to whether the current erosion being experienced at Old Bar will cease at some point, or whether the current rate of dune loss will be maintained or will accelerate further. What we do know, is that the current level of erosion puts private and public assets at risk and creates friction between private and public ownership. The changing profile of the beach, at times, limits opportunity for beach users, particularly at high tide. Detailed hydrographic surveys undertaken by the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) show that despite appearances, the area between Wallabi Point and Farquhar Inlet is not part of a single beach system. The Urana Bombora, which is an underwater rock platform (reef) extending out to sea from south of the surf club, influences but does not prevent the exchange of sand along this beach. In addition, there is another reef feature at the southern end of the beach, to the north of Wallabi Point. These features act to form a beach compartment (albeit incomplete) between Wallabi Point and Urana Bombora and accordingly, influence wave, hydrodynamics and subsequent sand transport at Old Bar Beach. The bathymetric features and numerical modelling of specific wave events indicate the possible formation of a large rip cell with potential to carry sand offshore during major storms. The rip cell head generally forms in the central to southern portion of the beach adjacent to where the most significant recession rates have been identified. Storm direction has been identified as a significant factor in whether sediment carried by the rip cell is predominately lost or partially deposited within the near shore beach compartment. During storm events from the south-east and east-south-east, permanent loss of sand offshore is likely, i.e. sand is deposited in deep water where it cannot return to the beach naturally. This loss mechanism is supported by the observation of a large rip cell of high turbidity (high suspended sand/sediment load) during an event where significant erosion of Old Bar Beach occurred (Black Head to Crowdy Head Coastline Hazard Definition Study, WorleyParsons 2010). The recorded wave direction during this event at Sydney was east-south-east (the Crowdy Head wave rider buoy within the study area does not record wave direction). Additionally, comparison of cross-shore profiles along Old Bar Beach and Manning Point Beach indicates a significant flattening of the offshore slope at depths of around 8m below mean sea level for Old Bar Beach (indicating possible deposition of sand). At 8m in depth, sand usually moves back onto the beach under lower swell wave conditions. Although offshore transport may be the dominant mechanism for the ongoing sand loss at Old Bar Beach, there is also likely to be alongshore sand bypassing, both north and south of the Urana Bombora in storm events with directions other than from the south-east and east-south-east sectors. The amount of sand bypassing the Urana Bombora is likely to be influenced by the beach state on either side (including the open/closed status of the entrance to Farquhar Inlet). Key Element Understanding why erosion continues to occur at Old Bar Beach is a priority under this plan. GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 17 of 57

18 A sand tracing study with Environmental Tracing Systems Worldwide Ltd (ETS) and Royal HaskoningDHV (RHDHV) was commenced in mid 2014 to understand the movement of sand along this shoreline. While the final results were not available at the time of writing this plan, preliminary results indicate that most sand lost from this beach is transported in a northerly direction, with some lost from the system due to transport offshore. Public access at Old Bar Beach is focused in the area around the Taree-Old Bar Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) where there is also patrol/emergency vehicle beach access. Formal pedestrian access ways to the beach are located at the Caravan Park and north of the SLSC. The main beach is patrolled in summer. The accesses at Old Bar Beach are in need of work due to increasing coastal erosion. In the Greater Taree Coast Emergency Action Plan (WorleyParsons 2011), the patrol/emergency vehicle beach access next to the surf club is also the only authorised point for the transportation of materials to locations where owners are permitted to construct emergency protection works. This access is not open for public use. It is regularly damaged during winter storms and was last reconstructed in January At this time, it was recognised that when this access point is next affected by coastal erosion it may be impossible to reconstruct it in the same location, as the top of the ramp would need to come under the surf club building. In light of this, a new location immediately north of the Jeff Vandenberg viewing platform has been identified and is likely to require opening in late Racecourse Creek, which is intermittently open to the ocean via a beach berm, has historically influenced erosion in the Lewis Street area. In the 1990 s Council constructed a gabion wall to train the entrance away from the properties in Lewis Street where it was causing beach erosion, to direct it straight into the ocean. As the beach erodes in this location the end of the training wall has extended into the ocean causing it to break apart and pose a safety risk to beach users. To address this risk, Council has removed gabion baskets at the end of the structure and continues to make the structure safe after storm events. Ongoing monitoring and removal of end baskets are likely to be required as erosion continues. The dune in front of Pacific Parade (behind which Racecourse Creek sits) has migrated north as it erodes. This has led to Racecourse Creek opening further to the north, away from the area where it was once causing erosion. The loss of this dune is likely to lead to Pacific Parade coming under threat from erosion. Informal beach accesses and vehicle parking along this road needs to be considered in a holistic fashion to retain vegetation in order to slow erosion. Pacific Parade is a Council asset and it is intended to maintain this asset while ever it is practical to do so. Management of the northern end of this beach comes under the Manning Entrance State Park Trust jointly managed by GTCC and Crown Lands. GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 18 of 57

19 Action Plan for Old Bar Beach Undertake an analysis of Farquhar and Harrington Inlets to determine whether these have an impact on beach erosion occurring at Old Bar and Manning Point beaches and determine whether management measures undertaken at the entrances can prevent further beach erosion. Require all development proposals within the Coastal Hazard Risk Zone to be accompanied by a Risk Management Plan. Council will work with Crown Lands to reduce the number of beach accesses and at the same time both parties will work towards improving accesses that are intended to remain. Community education will be an important component of this work. Undertake adaptive maintenance to the Jeff Vandenberg viewing platform as erosion occurs. Create an alternate surf club vehicular beach access to the north of the Jeff Vandenberg viewing platform. Close vehicular access in front of the surf club if a major erosion event prevents its re-opening in the current location and convert the access into a raised pedestrian walkway including rehabilitation of the dune. Complete sand tracing study. Maintain the Racecourse Creek gabion training wall. Restrict beach access by formalising fencing and car parking on the eastern side of Pacific Parade to reduce the risk to Council infrastructure. Review and replace beach signage to avoid conflicting messages. Farquhar Inlet The Manning River is one of only two deltas in the southern hemisphere with two river entrances, the main entrance being at Harrington in the north and the second at Farquhar Inlet to the south. Unlike many other river entrances in NSW, there has never been significant development at Farquhar Inlet. Therefore, the entrance remains in a natural state, with sand islands, intertidal mud flats and mangroves lining the bank. The entrance is not permanently open to the sea, however, flood events can cause the removal of the sand plug at the junction of Manning Point and Old Bar beaches. This opening slowly closes as sand is deposited on the beach through natural deposition. There is a Farquhar Inlet, Old Bar - Entrance Opening Management Plan (WorleyParsons 2010), which has triggers for the manual opening of the entrance as a result of a high water levels in the estuary or low water quality indicators which affect oyster production. Under the plan the entrance is opened in the north and gradually gravitates to the south over a number of years, eventually closing against the soft rock at Mudbishops. GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 19 of 57

20 Action Plan for Farquhar Inlet Undertake an analysis of Farquhar and Harrington Inlets to determine whether these have an impact upon beach erosion being experienced at Old Bar and Manning Point beaches and determine whether management measures undertaken at the entrances can prevent further beach erosion. Undertake maintenance dredging in accordance with the Manning River Maintenance Dredging Strategy 2010 to improve/maintain navigation. Develop a sand transport monitoring program to assess the effectiveness of maintenance dredging within the Farquhar Inlet. Maintain assets (management of assets comes under the Manning Entrance State Park Trust jointly managed by GTCC and Crown Lands). Monitor water quality and river levels to mechanically open the entrance in accordance with the Farquhar Inlet, Old Bar - Entrance Opening Management Plan Council will work with Crown Lands to reduce the number of beach accesses and at the same time both parties will work towards improving accesses that are intended to remain. Community education will be an important component of this work. GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 20 of 57

21 Figure 8: Old Bar Beach GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 21 of 57

22 Figure 9: Old Bar Beach at the township of Old Bar GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 22 of 57

23 2.2.7 Manning Point Beach Manning Point Beach appears to increase in size at times to the north (northern third of the beach), while the southern two-thirds of the beach recedes. However, this trend can be reversed through short-term fluctuations as a result of refracted wave patterns possibly influenced by the state of the Farquhar Inlet entrance and the Urana Bombora. The state of the Harrington Inlet entrance and estuary flow is an added complexity influencing the northern portion of Manning Point Beach. The state of Manning Point Beach may be affected by the relative state of the entrances at Farquhar and Harrington. Some possible processes include: entrance sediment sink; offshore losses due to flood flows; refraction around the ebb tide delta/bar; and beach rotation due to medium term fluctuations in wave direction climate. However, these processes are extremely complex and no consistent behaviour can be discerned from historical records. Manning Point Beach is not patrolled. Formal beach access from the village of Manning Point consists of a 4WD track and adjacent pedestrian track at Vic Shoesmith Reserve at Manning Point. Management of this beach comes under the Manning Entrance State Park Trust jointly managed by GTCC and Crown Lands. Key Element Understanding why erosion continues to occur at Manning Point Beach is a priority under this plan. Action Plan for Manning Point Beach Undertake an analysis of Farquhar and Harrington Inlets to determine whether these have an impact upon beach erosion being experienced at Old Bar and Manning Point beaches and determine whether management measures undertaken at the entrances can prevent further beach erosion. Require all development proposals within the Coastal Hazard Risk Zone to be accompanied by a Risk Management Plan. Council will work with Crown Lands to reduce the number of beach accesses and at the same time both parties will work towards improving accesses that are intended to remain. Community education will be an important component of this work. Review and replace beach signage to avoid conflicting messages. GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 23 of 57

24 Figure 10: Manning Point Beach GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 24 of 57

25 2.2.8 Harrington Beach/Harrington Inlet Harrington Beach Harrington Beach has historically shown stability, with a net increase in sand deposition occurring between 1965 and Harrington Beach is supplied with sand from the Harrington entrance bar. The shape of the southern portion of the beach is determined by wave diffraction patterns in the lee of the northern training wall which makes it stable. Harrington Beach is not patrolled. There is a 4WD access track to the northern end of the beach. Pedestrian access is available through the Harrington Beach Holiday Park to the south and via access tracks to the north. Management of this beach comes under the Manning Entrance State Park Trust which is jointly managed by GTCC and Crown Lands. Enhance coastal walking trails. Action Plan for Harrington Beach Council will work with Crown Lands to reduce the number of beach accesses and at the same time both parties will work towards improving accesses that are intended to remain. Community education will be an important component of this work. Review and replace beach signage to avoid conflicting messages. Investigate the potential to use the railway corridor used to transport quarry rock from Crowdy Head to Harrington as a cycleway/walkway. Harrington Inlet The Manning River is one of only two deltas in the southern hemisphere with two river entrances, the main entrance being at Harrington in the north and the second at Farquhar Inlet to the south. The Harrington Inlet entrance is open permanently and has settlements on both sides. There is a breakwall located on the northern side which was constructed in the early 1900s to improve safety for boats traversing the bar. The entrance fluctuates in its position gradually over time from being against the breakwall to being further south towards Manning Point. Action Plan for Harrington Inlet Undertake an analysis of Farquhar and Harrington Inlets to determine whether these have an impact upon beach erosion being experienced at Old Bar and Manning Point beaches and determine whether management measures undertaken at the entrances can prevent further beach erosion. Undertake maintenance dredging in accordance with the Manning River Maintenance Dredging Strategy 2010 to improve/maintain navigation. GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 25 of 57

26 Figure 11: Harrington Beach GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 26 of 57

27 Figure 12: Southern end of Harrington Beach at the township of Harrington GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 27 of 57

28 2.2.9 Crowdy Bay Changes to the coastline at Crowdy Bay (Crowdy Head to Diamond Head) have not been analysed. Much of this coast is Crowdy Bay National Park and there are unlikely to be any assets at immediate risk from coastal hazards north of Crowdy Head. Crowdy Head Beach near the Crowdy Head Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) is patrolled during the summer months. There is a car park adjacent to the SLSC, and a 4WD and pedestrian access to the beach to the north. Action Plan for Crowdy Bay Maintain public beach accesses (the Diamond Head beach access is maintained by the NPWS whilst the others come under the management of the Harrington Beach State Park Trust jointly managed by GTCC and Crown Lands). Construct a formal carpark and demolish and reconstruct public toilet facilities at the Crowdy Head SLSC. Council will work with Crown Lands to reduce the number of beach accesses and at the same time both parties will work towards improving accesses that are intended to remain. Community education will be an important component of this work. Review and replace beach signage to avoid conflicting messages. GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 28 of 57

29 Figure 13: Crowdy Bay GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 29 of 57

30 Crowdy Bay Harbour Crowdy Harbour is an all-weather deep-water boat access and provides a refuge for boats during storms. The Harbour also houses a small fishing fleet and previously had a fishermen s co-op. The harbour and both breakwalls which created the harbour are maintained by Crown Lands. The harbour also has a 4-lane regional boat ramp, and an adjacent boat trailer parking area and toilet facilities maintained by Council. Management of this harbour comes under the Manning Entrance State Park Trust jointly managed by GTCC and Crown Lands. Action Plan for Crowdy Harbour Maintain assets (management of assets comes under the Manning Entrance State Park Trust jointly managed by GTCC and Crown Lands). Undertake maintenance dredging of the harbour in accordance with the Manning River Maintenance Dredging Strategy 2010 to improve/maintain navigation. GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 30 of 57

31 Figure 14: Crowdy Bay Harbour GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 31 of 57

32 2.3 Coastline impacts and risks Risks associated with our changing coastline The highest risk posed by the changing coastline is the risk to public safety, particularly on open beaches during storm events. The Greater Taree Coast Emergency Action Plan (WorleyParsons 2011) has mitigated the impact that storms have on human life by providing a structured response that involves monitoring the severity of storm events to ensure appropriate action is taken. Actions include closing beach accesses and informing the public of the risk. If significant erosion or overtopping of dunes from waves occurs during a storm event, the State Emergency Service (SES) directly notifies residents and manages any evacuations. The second-most significant risk posed by coastal erosion is the loss of private and public assets (land and structures). Depending on the location of the structures (relative to the dune scarp following a storm event), they may be at risk of collapse. If a structure is deemed to be at risk the demolition or removal of the structure is required. Figure 15 shows a typical beach profile where built assets such as houses tend to be located. Figure 15: Typical beach profile with built assets While the zone of reduced foundation capacity has traditionally been used as a way to determine structures that may be at risk immediately following a storm event, we have found that structures built on a concrete slab maintain their integrity even when protruding over the dune scarp by a metre. This was the case with the houses removed in Lewis Street, Old Bar in The zone of reduced foundation capacity is more relevant to multi-level unit blocks. There are no multi-level unit blocks within our coastal areas at risk of erosion. Therefore, the risk is not associated with the dune crest reaching the zone of reduced foundation capacity, but instead, when erosion impacts on a structure to such an extent that its integrity is compromised. Monitoring of erosion provides time to consider the structural integrity of assets and order its removal before the asset collapses. Key Element Under this plan we have not used the zone of reduced foundation capacity as the sole means of identifying the risk to a structure as it may remain structurally sound for many years until further erosion ultimately results in the structure being considered at risk of collapse. GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 32 of 57

33 There are also incidents that occur infrequently, but have the potential to dramatically impact on our coastline. Devastating storm events similar to those that hit the NSW coastline in the early 1970s can cause significant erosion and result in the loss of buildings. These storm events cannot be predicted in timing or intensity and hence planning for something that may only occur once in living memory, is not supported by this plan. Based on calculations from the abovementioned devastating storms, the potential maximum scarp movement that could occur during such a storm event has been calculated for each of the developed beaches along the Greater Taree coastline (see Table 3). Table 3: Maximum potential dune loss due to devastating storms Location Black Head to Red Head Diamond Beach South (south of caravan park) Diamond Beach North (north of caravan park) Typical dune crest height (AHD) Design storm cut volume 1 Max. expected scarp movement 2 Historical scarp movement 3 5 8m 220 m 3 /m 35m Generally prograding beach, little evidence of storm cut in photogrammetry 6 10m 220 m 3 /m 30m Beach recession of up to 16m between 1970 and m 220 m 3 /m 20m Little evidence of storm cut in photogrammetry Saltwater Beach 6 8m 220 m 3 /m 30m Little evidence of storm cut in photogrammetry Wallabi Point to Old Bar Beach (south of SLSC) Old Bar SLSC to Farquhar Inlet (north of SLSC) Manning Point Beach 7 10m 220 m 3 /m 25m 25m recession at Old Bar between 2004 and m 180 m 3 /m 20m Some recession at SLSC, but increases towards Farquhar Inlet 6 10m 220 m 3 /m 30m Shoreline retreat of up to 30m has occurred within 5 year periods Harrington Beach 9 15m 220 m 3 /m 20m Generally prograding, recession of up to 40m occurred between 1965 and 1972 Notes: 1. Maximum predicted storm cut volume for 100 year ARI storm. Refer to Black Head to Crowdy Head Coastline Hazard Definition Study (WorleyParsons 2010). 2. Estimated maximum landward movement of erosion scarp for design storm cut, from pre-storm scarp or dune crest. 3. Little information on the scarp movement due to a single storm is available due to a lack of reliable pre-storm and poststorm surveys. This information is based on photogrammetry with an interval of 2 to 10 years. GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 33 of 57

34 2.3.2 Climate change impacts The sea level rise figures used to support this CZMP were originally based on the figures produced by the CSIRO, which were used as the basis for the State Government s Sea Level Rise Policy Statement 2009 (no longer supported by the State). These were an increase above 1990 mean sea levels of 40cm by the year 2050 and a rise of 90cm by the year If predictions prove correct then we will see significant coastal erosion by the year 2100 in a uniform manner behind each beach. As erosion intensifies, there is the potential for many houses and the property they are located on, to be lost as the sea moves westward. If the predictions on sea level rise are not realised then significant loss of the beach as well as public and private assets is unlikely to be experienced for much of our coastline. Climate change models predict an increased intensity of storm events and increased frequency. As this is difficult to model it will be important to review this plan regularly Socio-economic impacts The primary location on our coastline experiencing notable impacts from coastal erosion is Old Bar Beach. This situation could change in the future if sea level rise has a corresponding erosion impact on other beaches, as shown on the maps within this plan. In relation to Old Bar Beach, the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage engaged the Balmoral Group to undertake a cost benefit analysis that aimed to understand the socio-economic impact of various coastal management measures. While a number of economic outcomes were detailed, the social impact of the current situation was not addressed. The direct economic impact on landowners relates to the loss of a significant asset, house and land, and the subsequent need to move to another location. From a financial perspective not only does the landowner need to fund the acquisition of a house elsewhere, they also need to fund the demolition and removal of their existing house and any other structures present on their land. There is little research in relation to the social impact of such events, however it is assumed that continued coastal erosion that results in loss of homes is likely to have an effect on personal and family networks not only within community, but potentially, within individual households. The effect will vary dependent on the nature of ownership, whether the asset is the primary or sole home for family or an investment property; the connection of the property owner to the community and services within the immediate community; the age and stage of life of the property owner; disposable income, level of independence and isolation and; individual level of resilience. Emergency measures in place, ensure that neither extreme events nor the gradual coastal erosion currently experienced are likely to pose a risk to life, however, the constant change and associated sense of loss has the potential to take a toll on mental health and subsequently the functionality of individuals and the family units affected. An increased demand on State and private health support services needs to be assumed. Under current State policy there is no compensation or buy-back scheme available to landowners exposed to coastal erosion and as such the landowner must fund the full cost. In line with our 2014 conversations with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage about the incentives that might be provided to encourage Planned Retreat and our understanding that a State position on this matter is being considered as part of Stage 2 Coastal Reform. Key Element This Plan supports continued advocacy of the State to include the provision of financial assistance to landowners forced to move as a result of coastal erosion. GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 34 of 57

35 It is also understood that the insurance industry does not cover the loss of assets from coastal erosion. Therefore, the impact on those who cannot afford the cost of moving and / or demolition is likely to be significant, particularly for those who are asset rich and cash poor. An area experiencing coastal erosion will also be impacted at a community level. From an economic perspective, if an area is seen as being a risky proposition for investment due to coastal erosion, this will impact on house and land prices for the entire community and impact on business viability, particularly those dependent on the tourism trade which is highly dependent on the good reputation of an area. The loss of key community infrastructure, including roads, services, open space and community facilities in Old Bar is a reality and is likely to change the character of the seaside village significantly. Localised response to the effects of coastal erosion, puts an onus on communities and local authorities to tackle the issues affecting them. The potential is for increased disadvantage in regional coastal locations that already experience a level of isolation from the benefits of metropolitan living. It is recognised that without considerable support from the State, we are unlikely to be equipped to deal with the socio-economic issues facing our communities under threat from coastal erosion. Key Element This Plan supports continued conversations with the State in relation to financial and State service support to address the socio-economic impact of changing communities as a result of coastal erosion. GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 35 of 57

36 2.4 Informed Adaption management framework Framework overview The Greater Taree Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) supports Informed Adaption in response to the risk posed by our changing coastline. Informed Adaption facilitates a range of flexible responses to the changing coastline and is based on the following objectives: people want to be empowered to undertake actions themselves; people want a variety of tools that they could use to suit their own circumstances; community groups want the ability to seek solutions; and people want the ability to use their land for as long as practicable. Informed Adaption may be proactive or reactive, and it enables landowners, community groups and public authorities to implement a range of management measures to adapt to the risk from coastal processes on land they own and to preserve the beach and dune amenity they value. While empowering landowners to make decisions and act, Informed Adaption also places responsibility for success or failure on those who choose to implement the management measures. This means: if a landowner undertakes a management measure it is their responsibility for the success or failure of this management measure. For example if a landowner chooses to undertake beach nourishment with the aim of protecting their land from coastal erosion, they need to accept responsibility in relation to the possibility that the sand may be washed away during the next storm; if a landowner builds in an area likely to be affected by coastal erosion, they must accept that in the future the structure they build may need to be demolished should it be deemed at risk; and future owners know from obtaining a section 149 Certificate for the property that the land is in an area potentially affected by coastal erosion and they need to accept this risk when they make their purchase. Nobody is locked into preserving or maintaining property or structures should a decision be made to no longer do so. Informed Adaption is about being able to make decisions yourself about what is viable to adapt to coastal processes. Likewise, community groups and public authorities that undertake management measures are not locked into doing so in perpetuity. Key Element Trialling new or untested management measures is encouraged under this plan, as a means of adapting to our changing coastline Management measures Actions undertaken in accordance with this plan are referred to as management measures in the plan. There are three types of management measures that can be undertaken under this plan: nonpermanent, semi-permanent and permanent. Where development consent is required for management measures the consent authority is the State Government prior to this plan being certified by the NSW Minister for the Environment, with Council becoming the consent authority GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 36 of 57

37 following certification of the plan. Appendix 2 provides further information on obtaining development consent. Non-permanent These types of management measures do not require consent from any public authority under this plan and can be undertaken by: private landowners on private land; community groups on public land following the issue of a Letter of Authority from Crown Lands; and public authorities on public land. Non-permanent management measures are actions that have negligible impact upon the environment or a neighbour s property. Examples include: planting of native vegetation; placement of geotextile fabric material along the eroding face of the dunes; placement of permeable materials, such as branches along the scarp of the dune; and placement of sand, known as beach nourishment. Temporary coastal protection works under the Coastal Protection Act 1979, such as the installation of sand filled geotextile bags can be undertaken at authorised locations (Old Bar Beach) but need to comply with the relevant Code of Practice and associated Guide see the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage s website for further information Any sand used as part of Temporary coastal protection works also needs to conform to the sand material requirements under section 9 of the Guide to the Statutory Requirements for Temporary Coastal Protection Works 2013 available on the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage s website Semi-permanent This category of management measure requires development consent when undertaken by private landowners on private land and relevant approvals when undertaken by public authorities on public land. Landowners should seek advice from Council before considering such management measures. When implementing any semi-permanent structures, consideration must be given to: end effects; maintenance; and ease of removal should it be required. Examples of semi-permanent management measures include: the installation of sand filled geotextile bags by private owners on private land; and the installation of sand filled geotextile bags by a public authority to protect a road on public land. Permanent Permanent structures are permitted with development consent when undertaken by private landowners on private land and with relevant approvals when undertaken by public authorities on public land. Landowners should seek advice from Council before considering such management measures. GTCC CZMP June 2015 Page 37 of 57